Dana Biomedical Library’s Challenges

Entrance

Broken pavers; unsightly,

uneven footing

The front door is not handicap accessible

The nominal handicap entrance

• No parking

• Rough terrain for wheelchair

• Doors are heavy to open

• No automatic door opener

Poor study spaceWedged into the stacks on the second floor

1 of only 4 small group rooms

Carrels are old, poor condition

A student spreads out and studies all morning, then comes the afternoon sun and she cannot see the laptop screen, and the blinds will not close—

and she has to move.

Window treatments

Single-pane windows

Climate Control

It’s Freezing

It’s Too Hot

Lack of power outletsextension cords everywhere

No climate control whatsoeveruncomfortable for studying,

hot in the summer, cold in the winter

The elevator is too small for an ambulance gurney to fit into

Elevator is ancient and slow

1963

Flooring on first floor

Marked,stained, anddented

Third floor carpet is worn through

Paint problems

• Peeling paint• Asbestos-skimmed

columns

A second floor office

• Barely wider than the doorway

• Distant from users

Basement office

An unattractive work environment

Staff roomThe sink is narrow and does not drain

well, the oven and burners are old

Check out the plumbing

Sink does not drain

Missing parts

General upkeep

Grouting on the Gilman-side entrance